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TV Buying Guide

How to choose a set you'll love watching for years

Steve Kindig has been an electronics enthusiast for over 30 years. He has written extensively about home and car A/V gear for Crutchfield since 1985. Steve is also a volunteer DJ at community radio station WTJU, where he is a regular host of the American folk show "Atlantic Weekly," as well as the world music program "Radio Tropicale."

Whether you're venturing out to buy your first HDTV or adding to your collection, we have some suggestions to help you choose a set you'll love watching for years. Trying to narrow the choices down to a single best TV is difficult because "best" means different things to different people. These days it's just about impossible to find a bad TV, but we'll help you find the best TV for you.

Start with you...and your room

What do you like to watch? Movies? Sports? Are you a gamer? How big is your room? How far will you be sitting from the TV? Are the room's furnishings and layout "non-negotiable" or could you do some rearranging? What's the lighting situation like? Do you generally watch at night or during the day? Answering these questions will get you closer to a great TV than trying to decipher all the hype, jargon and techspeak.

A TV screen that's a few inches bigger actually provides a picture that's much larger and more involving.

We recommend sitting anywhere from 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 times the screen diagonal.

Screen

Viewing distance range

32"

4.0-6.7 feet

37"

4.6-7.7 feet

40"

5.0-8.3 feet

46"

5.7-9.5 feet

50"

6.3-10.4 feet

55"

6.9-11.5 feet

60"

7.5-12.5 feet

65"

8.1-13.5 feet

70"

8.75-14.6 feet

75"

9.4-15.6 feet

80"

10.0-16.7 feet

84"

10.5-17.5 feet

Screen size: How big is big enough?

When it comes to TV screen size the most common recommendation is "bigger is better" — and that's good advice. Nothing will add more to your viewing enjoyment than a big screen. Over the years we've heard from customers who wished they'd bought a larger TV, but we're still waiting to hear from any folks who wish they'd chosen a smaller one.

When you move up to a screen that's just a few inches larger you're actually gaining a lot more additional viewing area. For example, a 55" screen has over 40% more viewing area than a 46"; likewise, a 65" screen has about 40% more viewing area than a 55". Large images are more engaging in general, and add impact to material like sports and action movies.

Tip: Get the biggest screen that fits your budget and room.

Your viewing distance is really important, too

When deciding what size TV to get, your budget and space are key factors, and equally important is how far you'll be sitting from the TV. If this is your first large-screen HDTV purchase you may end up re-thinking your setup and viewing distance. Old-school tube TVs typically had screens 36" or less, and you didn't want to sit too close because if you did you'd notice the screen's scan lines.

LCD and plasma TVs don't have scan lines, and have very crisp, detailed pictures, so you can sit closer. We recommend sitting anywhere from 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 times the screen diagonal. So, for a 55" TV, that would mean sitting less than seven feet away at the near end of the range, which is a lot closer than many people are used to.

In general, we recommend getting at least a 46" screen for your main TV, while a 32" screen is usually a good minimum size for a bedroom TV.

We're talking about flat-panel TVs here. If you think you might be interested in an 80" or larger screen, you may be a candidate for a projector system. See our article on how to choose a projector.

Tip: Consider sitting closer to the TV than you have in the past — it can make viewing much more engaging.

Important picture quality factors

When you're shopping for a TV it's easy to be overwhelmed by all the techspeak, marketing jargon, and endless specs. There are only a handful of picture quality factors you really need to keep in mind.

Screen resolution: 720p or 1080p HD, or 4K Ultra HD

Numbers like 1080p and 720p refer to a TV's screen resolution — the more pixels a screen has the more picture detail it can show. A 720p TV screen is 1280 pixels across by 720 pixels down, and when you multiply those numbers you get the total number of pixels, which is 921,600. Compare that to a 1080p screen which is 1920 pixels across by 1080 down, for a total of 2,073,600 pixels. 1080p has more than twice as many pixels as 720p, so it can show much finer picture detail. If you're comparing two TVs with the same screen size, the 1080p screen's pixels are much smaller than those on a 720p screen.

The newest standard is officially known as Ultra High Definition, but is commonly just called "4K" because it's roughly 4000 pixels across. To be precise, a 4K TV screen is 3840 pixels across by 2160 down, for a staggering 8,294,400 total pixels — 4 times the resolution of 1080p. A 4K Ultra HD TV picture looks incredibly detailed, especially showing true 4K content. At the moment there isn't much 4K content available, so for most people looking for a new TV, a 1080p model provides excellent picture quality at a reasonable price.

These grids simulate the different-sized pixels of 720p and 1080p high-definition screens, and 4K Ultra High Definition. As resolution increases, the pixels get smaller, making the "pixel structure" less visible and allowing much finer picture detail to be displayed.

On smaller screens, say under 40", 720p usually looks fine. Aside from showing less picture detail, the other drawback to 720p is that the pixels are larger, so the screen's pixel grid is more visible. Some viewers will notice this more than others — the easy solution is to sit a little farther away from the TV so you don't notice the pixels. If you're really trying to stay within a tight budget you may still find a few bare-bones 40"-43" 720p models. But if you're looking for a 46" or larger TV, it should definitely be 1080p.

Tip: For screens under 40" 720p usually looks sharp enough, unless you're really picky. For a 46" or larger TV, go with 1080p.

3D viewing at home can rival the experience in a movie theater.

2D or 3D

When TV makers introduced 3D TVs a few years ago they thought the technology would be the Next Big Thing. It didn't work out that way, but you'll find plenty of 3D models when you're TV shopping. 3D TV picture quality is generally impressive — its limited success has more to do with a lack of 3D content and the fact that many people don't want to put on glasses to watch TV.

Speaking of glasses, there are two types of 3D TV — active and passive — and the main difference is the glasses. Active 3D TVs use battery-powered active shutter glasses with LCD lenses that open and close in response to sync signals beamed wirelessly from the TV. With passive 3D TVs, the screen is doing almost all the work. The glasses don't need batteries — they're simple polarizing glasses like the ones handed out in movie theaters. Both active and passive TVs can provide convincing 3D effects.

If you're looking at the best- or even the better-performing TVs from most major brands, chances are they will be 3D. You may not care about 3D, and the good news is that you're not really paying extra specifically for that feature. At this point it's basically thrown in for free on better models. 3D TVs advanced screen technology, and one bonus is that these TVs look fantastic with 2D content, too.

3D TVs have improved a lot since the first sets appeared — the glasses in particular have gotten lighter and more comfortable. There still isn't a lot of 3D content to watch, but most 3D TVs have built-in 2D-to-3D conversion so you can add a touch of 3D whenever you like.

Tip: 3D is basically thrown in for free on mid- to upper-end TVs. 3D models also deliver the best 2D picture quality available.

LED-LCD or plasma

At this time (August, 2013), 99% of people shopping for a new TV will be considering LED-LCD models or plasma models, or possibly both. The other 1% may take a serious look at the new super-thin, super-expensive OLED TVs, which we'll talk about in a minute. You could devote an entire article to the question of LED-LCD vs. plasma — and we have, right here.

Tip: There are many more sizes and models of LED-LCD TV available, but don't dismiss plasmas. The better models like Samsung's F8500 series deliver some of the very best picture quality available.

The first OLED TVs available have gently curved screens. (LG 55EA9800 pictured.)

And OLED? It's finally here.

TVs based on OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen technology have begun to appear after a few years of "coming soon" announcements that never resulted in actual products. OLED has often been hailed as the perfect display technology, and when you see one in person you can't help but be wowed by both the ultra-thin panel — we're talking less than 1/4" — and the simply gorgeous picture quality.

OLED combines the best qualities of plasma and LCD. Like plasma, it is self-illuminating and needs no backlight. Picture contrast, black levels, color saturation, and off-axis viewing match or exceed the capabilities of even the best plasma TVs. Like LCD, OLED is very energy efficient — even more so than super-efficient LED-backlit LCD models. OLED is definitely game-changing technology. Initially, these TVs will be both rare and expensive, and the first models use a curved panel design, which may not appeal to everyone. But try to get a look at an OLED TV if you can — you'll be impressed.

LG's Google TV models are among the most advanced Internet-ready TVs.

Internet capabilities

Only a few years ago Internet-ready TVs were taking their first stumbling steps, with limited ability to stream movies, shows and other content. The on-screen interfaces were clunky at best, and overall operation was pretty slow.

In the past two years TV makers have dramatically improved the TV/web experience. They've beefed up the on-board processing power, cleaned up their interfaces, and included many more apps for popular streaming services. In 2012 we saw the first TVs with dual-core processors to speed up web app functions. This year, lots more models have dual-core processors, and a few top models even have quad-core processors, for even smoother, speedier operation. (These quad-core chips have about the same processing power as the typical tablet.)

A wealth of web streaming options — movies, TV shows, music, and more

It's hard to think of anything that's changed the TV watching experience more than the ability to instantly stream movies and TV shows via online services like Netflix®, Hulu™, and Amazon Instant™. In fact, the selection and convenience of web streaming is contributing to the rise of "cord cutters" — people who are cutting back or eliminating their cable or satellite TV service. Lots of folks are able to get all the programming they want through a combination of an antenna for over-the-air broadcasts, plus web streaming.

Having said all that, you don't necessarily need an Internet-capable TV to stream content. If you find a TV with the picture quality and features you want, but lacking Internet capability, go ahead and buy it. It's easy (and inexpensive) to add Internet capability via an array of products like an Apple TV® or Roku streamer, a networked Blu-ray player, game console, etc.

Many new Wi-Fi-equipped TVs offer "screen mirroring" from compatible smartphones and tablets to the TV's screen. A few TVs can even do 2-way mirroring, adding the ability to send whatever is on the TV screen to your smart device.

Built-in Wi-Fi® is now standard equipment

Virtually every current Internet-ready TV includes built-in Wi-Fi. It has many advantages, and perhaps the most important are simplifying connections and placement of the TV. With Wi-Fi, you don't have to worry about running an Ethernet cable to the TV. As long as you're within the coverage area of your home network, you should have no trouble streaming programs wirelessly to your TV.

Wi-Fi also opens the door to some cool control options. Most 2013 TVs from major brands offer free downloadable smartphone apps for compatible Apple® and/or Android™ devices. You can then use your smartphone to operate the TV in place of the TV's remote. You'll have one less remote to keep track of, and because the commands are sent via Wi-Fi, you don't have to aim your phone precisely to get results, the way you do with a typical TV remote.

Another feature that's really taken off this year is "screen mirroring." Again, using a Wi-Fi-equipped TV and compatible smartphone or tablet, you can mirror whatever is on your device's screen onto the TV screen. A few TVs even allow 2-way mirroring, where you can mirror whatever is on the TV's screen onto your device's screen. That means you can get up and fix yourself a snack in the kitchen without leaving your entertainment behind.

The Magic Remote is included with many of LG's upper-end TV models. It has a built-in microphone for voice commands, plus point-and-click motion control like an air mouse.

The not-so-humble remote control

A lot of basic TVs — even entry-level Internet-ready models — still come with the conventional-style button-based "clicker" that we've all loved (and lost). Higher-end TVs increasingly include more advanced remotes that feature some degree of voice and/or gesture control. These new remotes operate more like a trackpad or wireless mouse you'd use with a laptop. Samsung and LG are leading the way with these smart remotes. Both companies reworked their designs for 2013 and we and our customers have been very impressed.

LG's Magic Remote is one of the best examples of the new smarter remotes. A built-in microphone lets you speak into the remote to use the Internet apps, web browser, and social networking. The gesture control feature lets you search and select web entertainment just by pointing and clicking —it's a lot like using a wireless videogame controller.

Even the best of these remotes can still be tedious to use if you're entering lots of text, like searching for a title. You have to tap out one letter at a time on the on-screen keyboard. For any text-heavy application, you might consider picking up a wireless keyboard. These keyboards operate via Bluetooth®, and most TV makers offer one that's compatible with their own models.

Now you know the basics

Hopefully you'll come away from this article with a few basic ideas about what to look for in a TV. It's worth taking your time because a TV is an investment that you'll enjoy for many years. One of the quickest ways to find the right TV for you is to give us a call. Our expert Advisors can answer all your TV-related questions.

Comments

David H from San Jose, CA, USA

You omitted an important quality factor - Color Gamut - that is the ability to display rich colors.
I am a photographer, and hope to get a 4K TV that will also be used to display my images. I use a computer monitor that can display the "Adobe RGB" color gamut, which is considered a requirement for photographic imaging. However most monitors only display the less rich "sRGB" color gamut.
And just having an Adobe RGB color gamut is not enough, the TV must also have brightness and color fidelity control. Most TVs are sold with the image adjusted too bright and too saturated. It is said that this is done to make the set look better to consumers comparison shopping in a store.
For optimizing my computer monitor for photography, I use special hardware and software to periodically calibrate my display and establish a color profile.
Another quality factor you did not mention is the directionability of the display. It should have the same brightness and color from a wide range of viewing angles. This is particularly important for a large, high-resolution display like a 4K TV.
I predict that a large 4K TV will become the device of choice for viewing photographic images, but the image quality needs to be good enough before I will buy one. I will wait.

Posted on 7/10/2015 1:31:08 PM

Roland Cardoza from Redmond, WA

You have provided the best buying guides I have ever read. All for free and all without asking but many times curious to find answers. I am guilty I have not bought anything from Crutchfield yet but plan to next week. I also tried your help line including chat. Incredibly knowledgeable and professional. I have purchased expensive gears from local stores in the past but never got the technical help I needed from them. Crutch field has a new customer and wish many more !!

Posted on 7/26/2015 1:23:18 PM

Basheer from Chennai

Thank you.This article has given a very simple explanation about led TV.
Now it will be easier to settle down for a TV as per one's requirements and taste.

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